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LETTER: Veto a blow to transgender community

GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) Central New Jersey is disappointed to learn that Gov. Chris Christie has again vetoed legislation that would have eliminated an unjust barrier requiring transgender people to undergo sex reassignment surgery prior to receiving an updated birth certificate. GLSEN’s Central New Jersey chapter worked actively with a coalition of advocates in support of this bill.

GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) Central New Jersey is disappointed to learn that Gov. Chris Christie has again vetoed legislation that would have eliminated an unjust barrier requiring transgender people to undergo sex reassignment surgery prior to receiving an updated birth certificate. GLSEN’s Central New Jersey chapter worked actively with a coalition of advocates in support of this bill.

The legislation allows application for a change when a licensed medical professional attests that a “person has undergone clinically appropriate treatment for the purpose of gender transition,” a step more likely to be available to a young person than meeting the requirement for sex reassignment surgery. The bill permits an application for this document change to be made by a parent or guardian on behalf of a minor.

The veto of this legislation has a pernicious effect on youth who identify as transgender, closing off a pathway to obtaining a legal document, which would be available under the terms of the bill and would enable a person to be legally known in their true identity. Eliminating the discrepancy between the sex noted on the original birth certificate and the gender identity of a transgender youth would ease the steps toward all members of a school community accepting a student for who they truly are. This would lessen the likelihood of discrimination or bullying based on gender identity or gender expression and allow students the chance to focus on becoming their best selves.

GLSEN Central New Jersey will continue to support coalition efforts to make it possible for transgender persons to obtain appropriate birth certificate designation and to protect and support youth in our schools.